Symetrica’s Radiation Detection and Identification Technology to be deployed by US Department of Homeland Security

Symetrica has announced that its patented radiation detection and identification technology will be deployed in the latest Handheld Radioisotope Identification Devices (RIIDs) that Smiths Detection Inc. has agreed to supply to the U.S. as part of a contract with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Symetrica’s Discovery Technology is at the heart of the Smiths Detection RadSeeker handheld radiation detectors for which the DHS Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) recently awarded an IDIQ (indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity) contract with a maximum value of $143 million for the technology, its maintenance and associated training.

The Smiths Detection RadSeeker is a handheld, rugged and highly accurate radioisotope detector and identifier, specifically designed to meet the U.S. DHS mission requirements for a next-generation system capable of detecting and identifying varied nuclear threats. It is easy to use while supplying the operator with quick, simple, specific information for threat assessment. Applications include customs inspection, border protection, emergency response, and radiological facilities/personnel monitoring.

Symetrica’s Discovery Technology in the RadSeeker provides improved identification of threat materials in shielded, masked or concealed situations in operational environments. This is achieved through the coupling of advanced spectrum processing and identification algorithms with state of the art detectors with automatic stabilisation and calibration. This provides two critical benefits to operators; ultra-reliable gamma and neutron threat identification, and permanent readiness at the point of need through resilience to environmental extremes and temperature changes and zero scheduled maintenance.

Commenting on the award announcement, Heddwyn Davies, Symetrica’s CEO, states: “The contract that Smiths Detection has been awarded from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security represents a significant milestone for Symetrica and our radiation detection technology. Discovery Technology is at the core of Smith Detection’s RadSeeker and its success has already been recognized at the highest levels across a range of stakeholders – from users through to senior government agency representatives. With this latest award, we expect this success story to continue”.